Problems with getting SIM card to work

[DJHB]

I have recently ordered a new SIM card from O2 for a Samsung GT-E1200T phone (i.e. dumb phone), which is a replacement phone for the same make and model that I had before, but was getting a bit old and tired, having been knocked about a bit. Anyway, with advice of an O2 advisor, cancelled old SIM card, copied contacts on to new SIM card, inserted into replacement Samsung phone, and got new SIM card activated....or so I thought. When I use new phone, I get no signal and just a screen message saying "SIM restricted", so can't make any calls, even to O2 to find out what went wrong. 

Can anyone suggest how I might resolve this issue so I can have a working phone again.

Thanks in advance!

[madasaf1sh]

@DJHB 

Where did you buy the phone from, as it sounds like the phone is blocked, so it might be best to start with the retailer.

[Enlli]

SIM restricted on Samsung usually means the phone is network locked to another carrier than O2

[DJHB]

I was given the phone by a friend, and as far as I know, it is not blocked. So can you think of any other way I might solve this problem, besides ringing up O2 helpline again and waiting a long time to get through to an operative? Thanks. 

[madasaf1sh]

@DJHB 

Its a phone issue, and it needs to be unlocked..

Pop to a local phone shop and ask them to unlock the device from its original network, it will cost you around £10 to £20 to do so

[Enlli]

You could try your new O2 SIM in an unlocked phone (perhaps your friend can help) If it works then it is the phone.

You can take the SIM and phone to a mobile repair shop and ask them to check

I doubt O2 can help you on this.

[MI5]

@DJHB 

This website will tell you which network has locked it https://www.checkmend.com/uk

or ask your friend which network they used it on, then ask that network to unlock it. It should be free to do.

[DJHB]

Thanks for your advice. It does work in an old Samsung phone, so will take it today to a repair shop and see if they can unlock it. Also thanks to Madasafish and MI5 for their similar advice.

[Enlli]

You are welcome